34 h. ago Starmer hails Labour victory after surprise win in Hamilton byelection for Scottish parliament – UK politics live

PM congratulates Davy Russell but Reform also performed strongly, gaining third place with 26% of the voteScottish Labour win pivotal Holyrood byelectionHere is an extract from the full statement John Swinney, the SNP leader and Scottish first minister, issued after the byelection result was announced. He said it showed the need for the SNP to offer “a vision of hope and optimism”.Labour won by an absolute landslide in this area less than a year ago - we came much closer tonight but the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse have made clear that we still have work to do. Over the next few days we will take time to consider the result fully. When I became leader of the SNP last year I made clear my intention to bring the party together and focus more than ever on standing up for the people of Scotland. During this campaign we heard a lot of anger about the cost of living - and it is clearer than ever that Westminster control is making Scotland poorer, whether that is the damage ...

Politics

41 h. ago Scottish Labour wins pivotal Holyrood byelection, beating incumbent SNP and surging Reform UK

Labour celebrated the ‘incredible’ win in the central seat of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, as voters rallied around popular local candidate Davy RussellScottish Labour is celebrating an “incredible” win in a pivotal Holyrood byelection, beating the incumbent SNP and fighting off Reform UK’s “racist” campaigning, in a result that confounded predictions and will boost the party ahead of next year’s Scottish parliamentary elections.Voters in the central Scotland seat of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse rallied round the popular local candidate Davy Russell after a toxic campaign that saw Nigel Farage launch an unprecedented series of personal attacks on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, labelled racist by SNP leader John Swinney. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Politicians making final push for votes ahead of Holyrood by

SNP leader John Swinney and the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar are both expected to campaign in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse on Wednesday.

Politics

4 d. ago Second indyref not a ‘priority’ during my time as Prime Minister – Starmer

The Labour leader said First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney had not raised the issue with him during their recent talks.

Politics

5 d. ago Nigel Farage set to arrive in Scotland as John Swinney brands Reform leader 'political con man'

EXCLUSIVE: The First Minister claimed the Clacton MP "hates the very idea of Scotland having its own Parliament".

Politics

8 d. ago John Swinney challenges Nigel Farage to debate as SNP leader calls out 'politics of racism'

Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse head to the polls on June 5 in a race that could have national repercussions.

Politics

2 w. ago SNP Government has 'no plan' to end Scotland's housing emergency as spending on affordable homes drops

A leading housing charity blasted John Swinney's Government and said it was time for ministers to be "frank" with the public.

Politics

3 w. ago 1,000 jobs in wind power, Heathrow enjoys busiest April and tributes to Kwik Fit founder

From Burberry’s profit hopes and Trump’s revived drug price pledge to a £10.9bn wind power project, a cooling UK jobs market, and tributes to Sir Tom Farmer - here are today’s top stories in UK business.

Society

4 w. ago John Swinney leads tributes after Kwik Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer dies aged 84

Sir Tom, who founded the garage chain Kwik Fit, died at his Edinburgh home on Friday.

Events

4 w. ago John Swinney leads tributes to Sir Tom Farmer after 'outstanding' businessman's death

John Swinney paid an emotional tribute to Sir Tom Farmer after the businessman's death at the age of 84.

Events

4 w. ago Sir Tom Farmer death: Family confirm Kwik Fit founder has passed away

Sir Tom often credited his wife for his business success

Society

4 w. ago Kwik Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer has died age 84, family says

Scottish entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer has died at the age of 84, his family has announced.

Society

4 w. ago Sir Tom Farmer dies aged 84: Kwik Fit founder's family shares emotional tribute after man who built £1bn tyre chain passes away peacefully at home

One of Scotland's most successful businessmen and the founder of the famous Kwik Fit garage chain has died at the age of 84.

Society

last month Stephen Flynn denies SNP leadership bid as he praises John Swinney as 'best politician in Scotland'

Flynn is standing for Holyrood next year and is expected to quit Westminster soon after.

Politics